Following the team with a unique perspective on all things Phillies.Email me: PhilliesPhollowers@comcast.net – Peace, Love & Baseball – Jenn

Chase Utley Begins To Settle In

After coming off the DL on Monday, Chase Utley is now beginning to get into a rhythm at the plate. He helped the Phillies to a 5-2 win over the Mets on Saturday night using his bat, his legs and his defense.

Utley had two hits, one RBI, a walk, two runs scored and a stolen base in the game. He did a little bit of everything, even making some great plays on defense. The bum right knee was really put to the test and it passed with flying colors.

This was especially great news for Cole Hamels who has suffered, along with the other starters, from a lack of run support. When he exited the game after pitching seven innings, Hamels and the Phillies were down by a 2-1 score. But Utley and Jimmy Rollins led a comeback in the eighth inning where three runs scored. Rollins singled, stole a base and Utley drove him in. Then Ryan Howard smacked a two-run double, putting the Phillies ahead 4-2.

The lead gave Hamels the opportunity to collect a win. And although Hamels struggled early, allowing a career-high five stolen bases, he settled down and allowed only two runs. The Phillies then had to depend on the bullpen to preserve the win.

Jose Contreras tossed a scoreless eighth inning in his second appearance since returning from the DL. And Ryan Madson took the ninth. This year, he has been a closing machine. Madson collected his 11th save in 11 opportunities to send the Phillies to bed with a 5-2 win.

The Phillies have taken the first two games in the series and will go for the sweep Sunday afternoon at 1:10pm. Vance Worley will get his fourth start of the year.

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